You will visit:
East Coast, including Whitsunday Islands, Cape Tribulation & Cairns

Get the most of Australia's East Coast on this tour to explore and relax. Take in the crystal clear waters and the lush tropical settings of this magnificent island. Ride the Captain Cook Highway with rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other, it's not your typical road trip. You'll make friends for life as you explore Down Under with this Contiki Australia travel package.

Top Offers & Trip Notes

Itinerary + Inclusions & ME Time Optionals

ME Time Optionals

ME Time optionals will take your trip to a whole new level with unforgettable experiences unique to the places you
visit. See more, do more, live more & go home completely regret-free. Costs for these aren’t included in your
tour cost & are payable to your Trip Manager in local currency.

Inclusions

On our trips we don't just take you to the destinations, we make sure you get under the skin of every place you visit. From amazing food & accommodation, to exclusive access to incredible experiences, with Contiki you'll get unbeatable value & a completely unique travel experience.

1-2
The Whitsundays

Meet up with the other Contiki travellers and your Tour Manager out on stunning Daydream Island in the famous Whitsundays. Soak up the island’s crystal clear waters and white sands. Tonight, get to know your group and your crew over dinner.

The time is then yours to enjoy the picture-perfect Whitsundays! Slow the pace down, kick back and make the most of the fantastic facilities available at the resort. Go for a rainforest walk, swim in the pool, get into some beach or water sports, try your hand at fish-feeding, catch a film at the big outdoor cinema or laze about on the beach.

For those that are up for it, you could get away from it all with our optional day sail. Check out some of the Whitsunday’s 74 islands from the boat – you’ll soon understand why this region is so famous. Experience what is known as one of the top ten beaches in the world, the uninhabited Whitehaven Beach. Swim off the boat and play beach volleyball or cricket with the local skipper and crew before enjoying a tasty lunch and a few drinks on the way back to Daydream Island.

ResortResort
Dinner,Breakfast

Stay on Daydream Island and enjoy all the resort facilities

Cruise Whitsundays Camira Day Sail

A$170

3
The Whitsundays to Cairns

After sailing back to port, we head deeper into the tropics of Australia today when we hit Townsville for some free time. Check out the colonial buildings and get a feel for its maritime past as we drive along the esplanade and into town where you can grab some lunch.

Tonight we head out to a local restaurant for dinner where you have the opportunity to try kangaroo fillets, amongst other delicious Australian delicacies. In your free time on the first night in Cairns, walk around the buzzing night markets. It’s the perfect place for shopping and with everything from fun, kitsch treasures to local crafts like boomerangs and didgeridoos.

Resort
Breakfast

Townsville city orientation

See Magnetic Island

Pass Hinchinbrook Island - Australia's largest island national park

Pass through Tully, home to Australia's best whitewater rafting

4-5
Cairns

Wake up to the warm waters of Cairns where there’s something for everyone. This is your chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef on an optional day trip.

If you have always wanted to go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef then this is your chance! There are scuba diving options for both certified and introductory divers (no experience necessary). Check out the amazing World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, you are sure to see one of Nemo's cousins, tiny schooling fish right up to giant Maori wrasse and if you're lucky, even a small reef shark! There are local marine biologists on board to answer 'which fish is that?'

On day 2, for those who are keen for a fun and thrilling ride on the rapids of the Tully River, join our optional whitewater rafting adventure activity with our professional Local Guides. There are loads more activities available in Cairns like sky diving and bungy jumping – just ask your Trip Manager for some more info.

Catch up with your new buddies to swap stories on your day at a local hot spot. The food and entertainment is sure to leave a lasting impression!

ResortResort
Breakfast,Dinner,Breakfast

Cairns city orientation

Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

from A$170

White Water Rafting

A$185

Skydive Australia

From A$259

AJ Hackett Minjin Swing or Bungee Jump

A$105 / A$150

6
Cairns to Cape Tribulation

We hit the road following the Coral Sea past remote beaches and gorgeous scenery to the lush, tropical Daintree Rainforest. Get back to nature as we walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site with a local aboriginal guide who will teach you about the culture and traditions of the native people. You will also head to a stunningly clear swimming-hole in Mossman Gorge, where you can cool off in the waters.

Heading further north to Cape Tribulation, you have the option to go jungle surfing on zip lines through the rainforest canopy or go kayaking off Cape Tribulation and see turtles swimming beneath and eagles soaring overhead.

We overnight in Cape Tribulation.

Resort
Breakfast

Aboriginal experience at Mossman Gorge

Jungle Surfing

A$85

Kayaking Adventure

A$65.00

7
Cape Tribulation to Cairns

We check out Cape Tribulation beach & go for a guided walk through the mangroves, before we hit the road and travel to Port Douglas. Known for its idyllic white sands and palms trees, this resort town attracts both the rich & famous and travellers. You’ll soon see why.

Later this afternoon we arrive back in Cairns.

Resort
Breakfast

Mangrove boardwalk with our expert guide

8
Finish Cairns

Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning.